ARA: Should I be giving money to the homeless?

I work in downtown Albany and I have reached my limit with being asked for money from the slew of homeless people lurking in doorways, on sidewalks and benches. But now, this one women, who almost stalks people, has taken up residence in the different establishments along North Pearl.

I work hard for the money I earn and choose to buy myself a cup of coffee from Dunkin Donuts some mornings on my way to work. And there this women is, sitting at the end of the coffee line at a table yelling “Excuse me! Excuse me!” to anyone who stops to pick up there coffee, and holds up a sign asking for money. She won’t stop yelling at you until you point blank say “No!” She does the same thing in Subway during lunch time as well as a few other establishments.

I cannot understand how the managers of these places allow this to happen. Last year, while walking to my garage, I was chased down a side street by a homeless man yelling at me for spare change. For awhile I carried pepper spray. The fact that I get nervous walking the three blocks between my building and my garage just seems ridiculous! I understand why some of these business owners down here are complaining about the lack of police enforcement.

I understand that times are hard and we should be compassionate of the homeless, but when is enough, enough!

52 Responses

I know EXACTLY who you are talking about. I’ve seriously had it out with some of these people who won’t take “no sorry” for an answer. I’ve had to be very clear saying “No, I will not give you any money. I work 3 jobs so I can buy MYSELF nice things. I paid my way through school and work to pay my own way in life. Get off your a$$ and do the same!” Be firm and they’ll know not to bother you again when they see you coming! WELFARE!-HA!

Alright folks….I just had to comment on this one!!! Back in 1997 I because homeless, My rent couldn’t get paid, I lost my job, I lost my girlfriend and My car died. I had NO MONEY whatsoever. It was Valentines day in February and it was really cold outside. I didn’t ask family to stay with them because I was too embarrassed about loosing everything. I used to go out on Friday nights with my friends down at corner of Hudson and Broadway, there was a bar called “Martells”, its long gone now, but I remembered the “Jesus saves” place down the street, and Im sure you’ve all seen it.. well anyway, I drove down there that night and asked if it was a homeless shelter and if they would let me in. They needed my information and emergency contact info. The gave me a “green army mat” and a blanket and told me to go in another room where there were about 50 or so people sleeping on the floor. Its smelled real bad!!!! When I woke up in the morning, we went to a prayer service in the “chapel” and then had breakfast that was provided by the place. At 10am they kicked you out and were told to come back at lunch time. After lunch you got kicked out again then came back for dinner and then you could stay in for the rest of the night but you couldn’t leave and get back in after 11pm. The second day I was there, I learned there was another place on Grand street that kinda did the same thing and had the same setup except they had real beds, but you were on a waiting list. I didn’t know how long I was going to be there so I kinda stuck it out. 2 months passed and I finally got into the “Lawanga house” I think is what they called it. It looked like a Suny dorm with decent showers. They also served breakfast/lunch and dinner. They also had a clothing room for people that needed to get clothes and whatnot. When everybody left for the day most of the guys there collected SSI and Disability check from what I learned from interacting with them, A lot of the had Anger issues and most were were actually war vets, I know this because I did see the they’re Military ID’s, some of the other people were just lazy people milking the system with fake mental problems. I Myself admit that I did ask people for change outside of Coulson’s on certain occasions, because at the time I smoked Cigarettes and that’s all I really wanted was a pack of smokes. I tried to dress the BEST I could to make it seem like I wasn’t homeless but asking for change also helped my put gas in my car to find a job and also to do laundry because none of these places had public wash/dryers. I finally found a job and worked up enough cash to get another apt. I Did stay a few extra months to save a little more money but then I just had to get out of there. I learned a lot of stuff being there and I learned what to look for and how to talk to people that do have issues or personal problems. The people there ranged all kinds of ages but mostly older folks. I still see the same people “begging” today even after 13 years later. Don’t let the The woman @ Dunkin Donuts fool you….she has her own apt and collects SSI! Another “homeless” guy that’s always pointing up at the sky pretending to be a still figure is on my side of the river and drives a 2003 Honda accord and also collect disability. Ive ran Into these folks a few times outside of they’re” begging” environment. One guy even works at Walmart in East Greenbush!! So now here we are almost 15 years later….. Im not homeless anymore, I have a beautiful house in East Greenbush, I have 2 daughters that are in private school and I drive a brand new vehicle. I work locally and enjoy my time at the Pump Station, Hill St Cafe, and other establishments in the area. When people claiming to be homeless or whatever approaches me and asks me for change, my exact works are “Nope!!!” When they start giving me an attitude and telling me things like, “ahh man, dont be like that” or “Please sir im beggin” I just again say…”NOPE!!” So that’s my story. Fell free to comment or whatever :)